Texas Parks & Wildlife Videos

PBS Television Show

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS Show #2319
February 22-28, 2015
Ray Roberts Bike Trails
Just north of Dallas and Fort Worth, the trail system at Ray Roberts Lake State Park offers hours of riding for mountain bikers, from a smooth riverside greenbelt to hilly routes along the lake.
Hogs Wild
The threat of feral hogs to Texas agriculture and ecology looms large. Hunters and trappers have long aided landowners in keeping wild pig populations in check, but the problem may be growing too fast for traditional means to stop. To provide another tool for farmers and ranchers, research is being conducted that could offer a new kind of protection from this feral pig plague.
Charlie and His Cannon
What do a fireman, a computer analyst, and a semi-retired private land owner all have in common? The battle for Texas’ independence at San Jacinto, of course. One of the most significant historical events in the westward expansion of the United States took place in an unlikely marsh in south east Texas, now known as the Battle of San Jacinto. Each year hundreds of re-enactors gather to relive this pivotal battle that changed the path of Texas and all of North America.
Postcard From Texas
At the end o’ the day, Lake O’ the Pines in Northeast Texas offers good fishing below the dam and a beautiful sunset above.
Find out Where to Watch at http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS Show #2318
February 15-21, 2015
The Crappie Guys
Meet Tommy Tidwell, a high school science teacher and part time crappie fishing guide. Tommy spends a lot of time helping anglers learn the finer points of crappie catching. Then there’s Mr. Crappie, Wally Marshall. Everything Wally does revolves around his favorite fish. Everything.
Wild Game Cooking: Cooking Crappie
Ok, so now you’ve got some crappie in the boat. It’s time to make ‘em into a tasty meal, frying style. TPWD resident chef Tim Spice shows us how.
The Natural Place
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin is more than just a place to see wildflowers. It’s also a research and resource center for information on native plants, landscape restoration, and water conservation.
Postcard From Texas
The floating fall leaves of McKittrick Creek in Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Find out Where to Watch at http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS Show #2317
February 8-14, 2015
Pronghorn CSI
Pronghorn antelope have been roaming Texas grasslands for centuries but herds are experiencing an unexplained decline in west Texas. Scientists join forces with hunters and landowners to solve the mystery of the disappearing pronghorn in this Texas-style CSI.
Lake Tawakoni State Park
Lake Tawakoni was built to supply water to the city of Dallas. Occupying almost 400 adjacent acres and with 5 miles of shoreline, Lake Tawakoni State Park offers visitors access to fishing, boating and swimming. And if you are there during the spring, you might get to see giant spider webs constructed by tiny spiders.
Frog People
Amphibians may be trying to tell us something, and some concerned citizens are listening. At backyard ponds, suburban creeks, and rural wetlands, participants in the Texas Amphibian Watch program monitor the health of frogs and toads, both for science and for fun.
A Not-So-Easy Rider
Travel through Texas with a young man making his way cross-country on a handcycle. Being a paraplegic hasn’t handicapped his effort to get out and enjoy a trip across America.
Postcard from Texas
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park won’t be open for several years, but you can see what makes this place special.

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS Show #2316
February 1-7, 2015
SOS, Save Our Sharks
Sharks are disappearing from the world's oceans at an alarming rate and biologists are worried. From shark finning to unregulated fishing these apex predators are in trouble. We take a look at what’s being done along the Texas coast to help save these wolves of the ocean.
Biking Big Bend Ranch
Carry extra water and pack some spare tubes. It’s worth the trouble to hit the trails of Texas’ mountain biking Mecca, Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Big City Biologists
Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and El Paso don’t seem like the natural habitats of biologists…but these and other Texas cities are home to urban biologists. Meet some big city biologists who strive to help wildlife and urban life coexist in harmony.
Postcard From Texas
Take a dip in Barton Springs. This cool, clear pool is the heart and soul of Austin.

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS Television Show #2315
January 25-31, 2015
A Fish Called Ethel
Ethel was the very first bass in the ShareLunker Program. She became a symbol of how good management and forward thinking could drive conservation efforts to wonderful results. Over the years, millions of people have traveled to see Ethel, only a few were aware of the dramatic events behind Ethel's survival, and because of her survival, the establishment of the ShareLunker Program.
Parks & Wildlife People: Kris Shipman
Meet the unsung hero who organizes the events that have educated thousands of Texans about our coastal resources.
Resaca de la Palma State Park
With its 1,700 semi-tropical acres, Resaca de la Palma comprises the largest tract of native habitat in the World Birding Center network. Etched by the ancient curves of the Rio Grande River, this state park is a quiet birding retreat on the outskirts of the City of Brownsville.
Liberty Ships, Artificial Reefs
The Liberty Ships of World War II served our country during a time of need. Today, they’re serving as artificial reefs off the Texas coast, providing habitat for marine life, research areas for scientists, and new opportunities for anglers.
Postcard From Texas
See some squirrels at work in the trees and on the ground.
Find out Where to Watch at http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS Show #2314
January 18-24, 2015
Bobcat City
Our pets aren’t the only cats prowling around urban areas at night. A study is shedding new light on how bobcats live among us, in the suburbs and edges of our cities, without conflict and almost completely without notice.
Lone Star Land Steward: Sycamore Canyon Ranch
As a third-generation cattle woman, Ruthie Russell understands the needs of the range as well as those of livestock. Located 60 miles north of Del Rio on the beautiful Devils River, Sycamore Canyon Ranch supports the diverse vegetation and wildlife of three distinct biotic regions. In 2011, Mrs. Russell protected the property with a perpetual conservation easement with the Texas Agricultural Land Trust.
Mustang Island State Park
If you’re looking for the best place to camp right on the beach Mustang Island is the spot. With fishing, birding, and ocean fun just a few steps from your tent Mustang Island State Park is sure to cure that Island fever.
Postcard From Texas
See what animals wake up early at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS Show #2313
January 11-17, 2015
Fishing for Cats
Catfish are the largest freshwater sport fish in Texas and are second only to bass in popularity among anglers. They are also quite popular on the dinner table, but for many, the fun is in getting them there.
Martin Creek Lake State Park
Fall is a great time to head outdoors in East Texas. At Martin Creek Lake State Park the fall foliage draws campers, hikers, and anglers, to this heavily wooded park on a 5000 acre lake.
Lone Star Land Steward: Laborcitas Ranch
Some south Texas landowners have turned an overgrazed cattle ranch into a wildlife oasis, inventing a special machine dubbed the “Quailerator” in the process.
Chester’s Island
Thanks to one tireless volunteer, work is underway to save the endangered brown pelican. The Audubon Society’s Chester Smith manages Sundown Island in Matagorda Bay. With some hard work and some helping hands, Sundown has become the primary nesting island in Texas for not only pelicans but for seventeen other bird species. Meet the man who has helped bring the pelicans back and see the spectacle of a nesting island in the spring.
Postcard From Texas
Bison babies hanging out at Caprock Canyon State Park.
Find out Where to Watch at http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS Show #2312
January 4-10, 2015
A Tale of Two Laurens
We head to Bay City, Texas for a weekend goose hunt with the ladies. For some it’s a first time experience, and for others it’s a weekend break from the family. No matter the reason, if you get a group of ladies together with some guns and geese… it’s going to be a blast.
Parks & Wildlife People: Michael Rezsutek
What do oil companies, conservation organizations, and government agencies have in common? A vested interest in restoring and maintaining the coastal marshes along the upper Texas Gulf coast. Watch how one Texas Parks and Wildlife employee brings these partners together to work towards creating a sustainable future for this critically important landscape.
New Wave Cave
The Devil’s Sinkhole near Rocksprings is a cavernous wonder. Visitors to the sinkhole can only peer into the abyss from a platform near the edge. Thanks to a crew of geologists and photographers, a 3D virtual map of the cave is in the works, one that will give visitors a unique view of this geologic oddity.
Estero Llano Grande State Park
The geographic center of the World Birding Center network is Estero Llano Grande State Park. What was once farmland is now a 176-acre refuge for a spectacular array of South Texas wildlife. The mix of thorn forest and man-made wetlands make it a popular destination for birds and birders.
Postcard From Texas
Watch the clouds go by with some time lapse photography.
Find out Where to Watch: http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS show #2311
December 28, 2014-January 3, 2015
Sinking the Kinta S
A 155-foot freighter was sunk in the Gulf of Mexico as part of Texas Parks and Wildlife’s artificial reef program. The program is designed to turn oil rigs, retired ships and other hard substances into reef habitat for fish. The Kinta S is the largest ship to be reefed since the 473-foot Texas Clipper was sunk 17 miles off South Padre Island in 2006.
Turkey Work
On a ranch in South Texas, biologists are tapping the latest technology, and fitting turkey with tiny backpacks, to learn where the turkey lurk. With this data, scientists are gaining a better understanding of the habitat needs and preferences of Rio Grande turkey populations. See how these findings may benefit turkey and all who enjoy them.
Desert Skies
Texas Parks and Wildlife photographer Earl Nottingham uses black and white imagery to document the majestic skies associated with the late summer rains that travel across the broad expanses of the Big Bend region of Texas.
CCC Memories
During the Great Depression of the 1930’s, the Civilian Conservation Corps provided jobs for three million young men and helped establish the foundation of the state park system in Texas. Hear the stories of CCC veterans as they reunite in a park they helped build.
Outdoor Info: Firearm Safety at Home
Learn how to safely and securely store your hunting firearms at home.
Postcard From Texas
Watch the fireworks as the Battleship TEXAS celebrates 100 years.
Find out Where to Watch: http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS Show #2310
December 21-27, 2014
Home Again
Desert Bighorn Sheep used to roam freely in west Texas. By 1950 they had been wiped out by indiscriminate shooting and diseases spread by domestic sheep. During the 1960’s and 70’s TPWD began to restore the population of desert bighorns to west Texas. The program has been such a success and the population has grown to such numbers that in 2011 about 30 desert bighorns were released on public land at Big Bend Ranch State Park. For the first time since 1950 anyone willing to make a hike in the desert has the chance again of spotting one of these majestic animals in its natural environment.
Cedar Hill Bike Trails
Just minutes away from Dallas, Cedar Hill State Park has a set of trails fit for all levels of mountain bikers. One reason riders find the trails so bike-friendly is the cyclists themselves build and maintain them.
Parks & Wildlife People: Coastal Fisheries Restoration Team
This team of Coastal Fisheries experts, along with numerous partners, preserved or created over 12,500 acres of coastal habitats, reclaimed over 4,000 acres of oyster reefs and protected over 12 miles of shoreline, leveraging funds from multiple sources to do it all.
Fishing Lures
Meet one man who collects antique fishing lures, and another who makes new ones. Discover the evolution of the fishing lure, from bone to plastic and several incarnations in between.
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
The Lyndon Baines Johnson State Park and Historic Site is all about history, from the visitor center honoring our country’s thirty-sixth president … to a living-history farm depicting life on the farmstead as it was back in 1918, when President Johnson was a young boy.
Postcard From Texas
From elementary schools to high schools, students in Houston are learning about the native prairies of Texas by building pocket-size ones at their school.
Find out Where to Watch: http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS Show #2309
December 14-20, 2014
Warden of the County
Jim Daniels is a young Game Warden who turned a tragedy from his youth into a career helping people. We’ll follow him patrolling the sparsely populated counties north of Abilene.
Cleburne State Park
White limestone bluffs and dense trees surround Cedar Lake, the centerpiece of Cleburne State Park. The small lake is just right for canoeing, swimming and fishing. Located southwest of Fort Worth, Cleburne is an ideal retreat from city life.
Chicken Land
Here in Texas, the Lesser Prairie Chicken’s numbers have declined as its’ historic range has dwindled to almost nothing. Since most of these birds live on private lands, wildlife biologists are counting on private landowners to help restore the habitat, and hopefully save the bird.
Postcard From Texas
View some interesting flora at the Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve.
Find out where to watch: http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS Show #2308
December 7-13, 2014
Acquiring Powderhorn
A coalition of partners has raised nearly $38 million dollars to purchase 17,000 acres of one of the largest remaining unspoiled tracts of coastal prairie in the state. The Powderhorn Ranch in Calhoun County is expected to become a future state park and wildlife management area for the people of Texas.
I Love a Mystery
Kids at Texas A&M's SeaCamp solve mysteries using biology, chemistry, and physics. Their lab experiences are paralleled with the work done in the "real world" by TPWD's Forensics group in San Marcos.
Outdoor Info: Campfire Tips
Sitting around the campfire is one of the best things about going camping. Park Interpreter Katie Raney has some tips for getting your campfire going safely.
Building the Canyon
Government Canyon State Natural Area has grown out of an unprecedented partnership of groups rallying to preserve a unique resource. Its pristine Hill Country land helps protect the aquifer below it, making it all the more important to nearby San Antonio.
Postcard From Texas
The Texas Bighorn Society and Texas Parks and Wildlife celebrate finishing the construction of two guzzlers (above-ground rainwater catchments that provide water for wildlife) with a feast. What’s on the menu? Yard birds, beans, and a good time.
Find out where to watch: http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS Show #2307
November 30-December 6, 2014
School of Fish
The whistle blows, and the championship battle is underway. We’re not talking about Texas high school football, it’s the finals for high school fishing. The hottest sport to hit the south these days isn’t on the field, it’s in the water. Check out a profile on high school fishing.
Wild Things: Rat Snakes
Check out a snake that often times gets a bat rap, State herpetologist Andy Gluesenkamp introduces you to the Texas Rat Snake.
Eisenhower State Park
At Eisenhower State Park it’s all about the water. Campsites sit high on the bluffs overlooking Lake Texoma. Boaters flock to the park’s marina and ramps. Swimmers enjoy lake access by land and by boat. Even hikers eventually end up taking a cool dip in the refreshing waters that make this park special.
Island Assault 1944
Working guns, artillery, running tanks and an operational flamethrower make the Second World War come alive at the Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site. These sights and sounds bring back memories of the war for observers in poignant and painful ways.
Postcard From Texas
Early morning on Matagorda Bay is a magical and beautiful time.
Find out where to watch: http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS Show #2306
November 23-29, 2014
Texas Bass
Not only are largemouth bass the most popular game fish in Texas, but they seem to get bigger every year. The Micropterus salmoides hasn’t flourished on its own. It’s taken a lot of research and work to get bass where they are today.
Lone Star Land Steward: Bear Creek Ranch
In Parker County just outside Fort Worth you'll find Bear Creek Ranch. The 2014 Lone Star Land Steward winner for the Cross Timbers and Prairies Region.
Lake Arrowhead State Park
Close to the Red River in both location and hue, this North Texas park offers family fun and fine fishing.
Bat Capital of the World
Austin is well-known for the millions of Mexican free-tailed bats that live under the city’s bridges and overpasses. These bats were once considered a nuisance. But thanks to a group called Bat Conservation International, Texans have become mindful of this species’ vital role in the control of insects.
Postcard From Texas
Stick your head underwater to see some of the endangered desert spring fish at Balmorhea State Park.
For stations and air times: http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS Show #2305
November 16-22, 2014
The Real Bears of East Texas
An animal that was almost wiped out due to unregulated hunting, and loss of habitat, the black bear is slowly making its way back to the bottomland forests along the states eastern border. Now a team of bear trackers from Stephen F. Austin State University are on the lookout. It’s a unique bear study that sends the team into some of the most remote habitat found in the state.
Wild Things: Turtles and Roads
Many folks find turtles crossing busy roads and wonder “What’s the right thing to do?” State Herpetologist Andy Gluesenkamp helps answer that question.
The Spring Trackers
We know a lot about the major springs in Texas, but very little about the estimated 3500 scattered around the state. Biologists Chad Norris and Janet Nelson trek to remote spring sites gathering a variety of information that will provide a greater understanding of one of our most important sources of freshwater.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Way, way, way up in the Texas Panhandle lies Palo Duro, the second largest canyon in the country (guess what’s first?). With its truly breathtaking scenery, Palo Duro is also one of our most popular parks. On this weekend, hundreds of cyclists come to ride 24 hours in the canyon, all in memoriam to friends or family members lost to cancer.
Postcard From Texas
It can be difficult to get all of your ducks in a row. But at Hornsby Bend in Austin, sometimes they line up all by themselves.
For stations and air times: http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS Show #2304
November 9-15, 2014
Lizards on the Move
For generations, Texans grew up seeing Texas Horned Lizards throughout much of the state. Today the threatened lizards are common only in certain spots, but research at the Muse Wildlife Management Area is investigating how lizards fare and where they go when they are relocated to restored habitat.
Young Guns
There’s a crisp bite in the air on a cool December morning. The mist covers the pond, as pintails fly overhead. It’s duck hunting season. Join us as we follow two boys as part of a special hunt just for youngsters.
Lone Star Land Steward: Hillingdon, Laurels & Leslie Ranches
Named after a small town in England, the Hillingdon Ranch is a family heritage spanning six generations. Four families primarily represent most of the 13,000 acres but many cousins own a slice. Whether on the ranch or off, the Giles, Langfords, Leslies and Pasztors continue to serve and protect the land from which they came.
Stephen F. Austin State Park
Nestled on the banks of the Brazos River, Stephen F. Austin State Park provides the opportunity to get up close to nature. Located just 30 minutes from the outskirts of Houston, this quiet and peaceful park is a nice escape from the busy city life with activities including picnicking, camping, fishing, hiking and nature and historical tours.
Postcard From Texas
Watch the moonset where bison roam, at Caprock Canyon State Park.
For stations and air times: http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS show #2303
November 2-8, 2014
The Rise of the Forgotten Flounder
One of the top three sport fish in Texas, more and more fishermen now set their sights on the southern flounder. In fact, it’s become so popular that fish hatcheries have started stocking flounder in Texas bays. We take a closer look at what it takes to catch these fish and how the species is holding up.
Lone Star Land Steward: Tanksley Land Company
Way out in West Texas, it's all about water. Ben and Betty Tanksley have pioneered some innovative water capturing techniques to create an oasis in the desert on their ranch in Brewster County, Texas. Bringing water to their ranch has benefited both the cattle and the local wildlife.
Outdoor Clubbing
State parks aren’t just for retirees in RV’s. Outdoor adventure clubs are gaining popularity around the state. See how these clubs are bringing together all kinds of folks with an active interest in the outdoors.
Postcard From Texas
Early morning at Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area near Palestine, Texas.
For stations and air times: http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS show #2302
October 26-November 1, 2014
The Paddlefish Project
A freshwater fish older than the dinosaur is being returned to Caddo Lake in a grand experiment. Can restored water flows bring back a breeding population of paddlefish? A broad coalition of partners, from non-profits to landowners and government agencies, is working to answer this question.
Lone Star Land Steward: Sky Lewey
Meet Sky Lewey, a Nueces River rancher who takes care of her land and protects the wider watershed by reaching out to her neighbors. In her job with the Nueces River Authority, and on the Open V Ranch near Uvalde, this land steward helps keep a precious resource healthy.
Battlefield of Answers
Thanks to modern technology (and some old fashioned muscle), an important piece of Texas history is being preserved. At the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, archeologists have discovered artifacts from the 1836 Battle for Texas Independence. From bayonets to belt buckles, these new-found treasures will help detail the events of the day, all in an effort to better tell the story of how Texas came to be.
Postcard From Texas
Take a ride on the bike trails at Austin’s McKinney Falls State Park.
For stations and air times: http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv